An Egyptian relative of one of the Coptic Christians killed during clashes with the Egyptian army late Sunday, mourns over coffin outside the morgue of the Copts hospital in Cairo. Thousands of mourners attend a funeral ceremony for those killed in overnight clashes when troops crushed a Christian protest over an attack on a church in the worst violence since the uprising that toppled Hosni Mubarak.

The Coptic Diocese in Los Angeles, Calif., which is headed by H.G. Bishop Serapion, vehemently condemns the attack that occurred at St. Mark's Cathedral in Cairo on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of several innocent people.

The first attack happened in the city of El-Khoso, in Qaliubiya, which left five Copts and one Muslim dead. The second attack took place during the funeral for those killed at St. Mark's Cathedral in Abbassiya on Sunday.

"It is with profound sadness that we watch the unfolding events in Egypt," Bishop Serapion said in a statement. "We pray for the souls of the martyrs and comfort of their family, speed recovery of the wounded and the peace of the Church and Egypt."

"We also strongly condemn the glaring human rights violations against Christians and attacks on our cathedral and churches," he added

Also contained in the statement that was published Monday is the Diocese discussing the far-reaching effects of the attack on Copts around the world, given that the cathedral is the international headquarters of the Coptic Church.

"Despite widespread attacks on Christians in Egypt, this is the first time that attacks have penetrated the cathedral since its doors opened in 1968," he added.

"We call on everyone around the world with good conscience to support the Coptic Christians in achieving justice and peace in Egypt. Furthermore, we call on the Egyptian government to bring those responsible to justice," Bishop Serapion concluded.